Background: The level of fasting blood glucose (FBG) is influenced by several factors, including health status, genetics, and diet. Some studies have reported a beneficial effect of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting (RIF) on diabetic patients. However, clinical observations have shown that diabetes is exacerbated in some patients. Aim: This study aims to investigate the influence of RIF on the FBG level, a biomarker of hyperglycemia and diabetes, and to identify factors associated with variations in FBG levels during RIF among diabetic patients. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study. We monitored the FBG levels of 181 type II diabetic patients over a two-month period, from 20 February to 20 April 2023, which represents the Islamic lunar months of Shaban (8th month) and Ramadan (9th month). Ramadan provides a prominent month of intermittent fasting practice for studying its physiological effects on diabetes. We collected clinical data from each participant, including demographic information, co-morbidities, and medications used during this period. Results: Based on our findings, diabetic patients were classified into three groups depending on the influence of RIF on FBG levels: the positively affected group (44%), whose average FBG levels were reduced; the neutrally affected group (24%), whose average FBG levels did not change; and the negatively affected group (32%), whose average FBG levels increased during the fasting month of Ramadan compared to the previous month. Furthermore, we found that the positive effect of RIF was more frequent among obese, non-geriatric, and male diabetic patients, while the negative effect of RIF was more frequent among patients who were not adhering to the medication. Conclusions: This study concludes that RIF affects FBG levels differently among diabetic patients. These findings should be taken into consideration when treating diabetic patients during the fasting month of Ramadan, and further studies are needed to identify (1) factors associated with inter-individual variation in the response to RIF and (2) those who are great candidates for RIF.

Objective: Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory illness characterized by periodic tissue support deterioration. Interleukin-33 has recently been discovered as a new pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The objective of this case control study is to compare IL-33 levels among periodontitis patients and healthy volunteers using serum samples and investigate the potential association with clinical periodontal parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 subjects (50 patients with periodontal disease and 50 healthy individuals) were included in this case control study. Clinical plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were assessed. Serum was extracted from the venous blood that was collected. Serum IL-33 values were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Serum levels of interleukin-33 showed considerably elevated level in the patient’s group than in the healthy control group (P< 0.01). There was a strong correlation between the blood levels of IL-33 and PLI, GI, and BOP (P≤ 0.05). While PPD and CAL demonstrated a non-significant relationship (P˃0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that IL-33 may be used as a potential indicator of the inflammation associated with periodontitis and might have a role in the development of the disease. Further studies with large sample sizes are needed to improve knowledge about the role of IL-33 in periodontal health and disease. Clinical Significance: Owing to the noticeable role that IL-33 plays in the pathogenicity of periodontitis as a local waring clue for the periodontal tissue breakdown, tissue-specific therapeutic strategies may improve.

Objective: To find out if there is a link between the TaqI, ApaI, BsmI, and FokI polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and dental caries risk in Iraqi children. Material and Methods: The study had a sample of one hundred children, consisting of fifty males and fifty females, their mean age of 10.2 ± 1.21 years old. The study volunteers were categorized into two groups: a moderate caries risk group (DMFT, 1-4) consisting of 50 individuals, and a caries-free group including 50 individuals. Salivary samples were obtained from each participant, and subsequent DNA extraction was performed. The VDR gene was geno-typed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques. All data were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Odds ratios; results considered significant when (P<0.05). Results: A statistically significant difference was seen in the frequency of FokI genotypes (CC) between children with caries and those without caries (P0.05) found between the TaqI, ApaI, and BsmI genotypes and cavities in the teeth. Conclusion: FokI (rs2228570) polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) showed an association with dental caries. VDR genetic variants may be employed in the future as a potential marker for identifying people at risk for caries when paired with environmental variables, as well as for caries prevention and treatment. KEYWORDS Caries; Gene; Genetic; Polymorphism; Vitamin D.

Background: Periodontal diseases are prevalent and can be worsened by conditions such as obesity. Understanding obesity impact on periodontal health is essential for developing effective management strategies. Hence, the aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of Selenomonas noxia and pro-inflammatory visfatin marker for periodontitis in overweight/obese and non-obese population and correlate them with periodontal status. Materials and Methods: Eighty-five participants aged from (30– 50) years were divided into three groups: healthy controls (n=25), normal-weight periodontitis patients (n=30), and overweight/obese periodontitis patients (n=30). Unstimulated saliva was analyzed for visfatin level using ELISA, and subgingival plaque was examined for S. noxia prevalence using qPCR. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman correlation, and ROC curves. Results: Overweight/obese periodontitis patients had significantly higher salivary visfatin level (111.1 ± 277.4 ng/mL) compared with normal-weight periodontitis (28.2 ± 20.6 ng/mL) and controls (19.3 ± 4.6 ng/mL) (P< 0.001). Similarly, S. noxia was more prevalent in overweight/obese individuals with periodontitis (155052.5± 647,130.3) compared to persons with periodontitis and periodontal health (P< 0.001). Strong positive correlation encountered between bacteria and visfatin level in both patient groups (P< 0.001) and with BMI in the overweight/ obese group (P=0.001). ROC analysis showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for S. noxia in overweight/obese patients with periodontitis (AUC=0.86) and strong performance for visfatin (AUC=0.83). Conclusion: Obesity might play a devastating role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis through the increased salivary visfatin level and S. noxia prevalence. This indicates that they may serve as potential markers for periodontal inflammation in the obese population.

Periodontitis is a complex chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease, and among the various risk factors, the one of the most important modifiable risk factors is smoking. Smoking is a significant public health problem because it affects not only the mouth, but also the immune system, and increases the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers have higher risk of developing periodontal disease at about five to six times compared with non-smokers. Heat-not-burn tobacco products do not burn directly but produce an aerosol, marketed as a potentially reduced-risk alternative to conventional cigarettes. However, their impact on periodontal health remains to be determined. This literature review aims to underscore the potential role of heat-not-burn tobacco products on the periodontium, with particular focus on oxidative stress and antioxidant homeostasis. Current evidence indicates that heat-not-burn products may still be harmful to periodontal tissues, although some studies report that they may be less harmful than conventional cigarettes. These effects may include changes in the inflammatory response, oral microbiome, and oxidative stress/antioxidant balance, which may contribute to the progression of periodontitis. Therefore, more longitudinal clinical studies are required to elucidate the long-term effects of heat-not-burn tobacco products on periodontal health.

Objectives: Periodontitis is a complex disease, the reason of which remained unclear. Folic acid belongs to B complex vitamins. It is vital for the formation and division of new cells, as it serves as a crucial cofactor in DNA synthesis. Without the presence of folic acid, epithelial cells fail to divide correctly. Folic acid levels can be influenced by a number of factors, one of which is cigarette smoking. This study aimed to measure serum concentration of folic acid among patients with periodontitis associated to their smoking behaviors. Materials and Methods: The study included 75 subjects; divided in the following groups: group-I: 25 Smokers with periodontitis, group-II: 25 Non-smokers with periodontitis and group-III: 25 Non-smoker with healthy periodontium (control group). Clinical parameters were recorded including: Plaque Index(PLI), Gingival Index GI, Bleeding On Probing (BOP), Probing Pocket Depth(PPD) and Clinical Attachment Loss(CAL). Blood samples were taken and evaluated in the laboratory for folic acid levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA technique. Results: Significantly low concentration of folic acid encountered in serum of smokers with periodontitis as compared to healthy non-smoker controls (P < 0.001). Additionally, smokers with periodontitis showed significantly higher PLI, PPD and CAL means than non-smokers with periodontitis Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that folic acid levels were decreased significantly in smokers with periodontitis. Smoking has a negative impact on folic acid level and periodontal health.